Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission. Texas VOAD is a statewide body that facilitates cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration of member organizations in all phases of disaster and to maximize member impact. VOADs work under a points of consensus of agreement on how organizations work with each other and in communities throughout the state to help in the recovery of those who have gone through a disaster. More than 30 agencies are members of the Texas VOAD.

The year 2016 was another unprecedented period of disasters ranging from widespread flooding, tornadoes, fires and more. VOADs were stretched in a way they have never been stretched before for their volunteers and donations. However, with true Texas hospitality, everyone continued to work together, stepped up to the plate and helped people in disaster impacted communities. Assistance included clean up, securing homes, repairs and home rebuilds.

The year began with the December 26, 2015 North Texas Tornado Outbreak and had everyone in full swing. Just about the time VOADs thought there was a chance to catch a break, widespread storms and flooding occurred across the state involving many rivers and lakes including the Trinity, Brazos, Leon, Sabine and San Jacinto rivers to name a few. VOAD agencies continued to answer the call in hard hit areas with repairs and rebuilding that continued for those who did not have insurance or were underinsured.

Rev. Laraine Waughtal is the new President of Texas VOAD. In 2017, Texas VOAD will look at how the organization can continue to improve response and recovery and how organizations can support each other as well as communities in times of disaster. Texas VOAD will also focus on recruiting a person that can help Texas VOAD keep its website up-to-date with more information for people to learn about the organizations and what they do. Tracking areas in which each of the organizations are working and the ability to report out all the great work the volunteers in the state of Texas accomplish is also on the 2017 agenda. Rev. Waughtal looks forward to working with all volunteers and the state of Texas in 2017.